Australia coach Verbeek prepared to work without stars

Australia's new coach Pim Verbeek is aware that he may be without his big-name stars for some of the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

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Most of the European-based stars will be in Melbourne for the opening group game against Qatar on February 6 however -only star striker Mark Viduka has yet to make up his mind.

"He says he is struggling a little bit from the last Asian Cup," Verbeek, appointed last week, told a news conference in Melbourne.

"He is the only one still considering what he is going to do February 6.

"If he can be part of that - maybe not all 14 games -- then I am thinking of taking him. He is a very dangerous striker and I will try to convince him it is necessary."

"In the next few weeks I will decide whether to go with them (overseas players), whether to go with a combination, or whether to just use A-League players," Verbeek said.

"This match will be absolutely crucial and it is very important that the team gets off to a positive start ahead of a long and challenging campaign."